Browsing by Author "Learmonth, Despina"

Now showing 1 - 3 of 3
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Open Access
    Holistic strategies for clients suffering from chronic pain (CP) using transdisciplinary communication : a portrait of the insights and experiences of participants in the early stages of developing a chronic pain program by collaborating between independently operating practitioners in a local community
    (2016) Laskey, Joanne Margaret; Learmonth, Despina
    Chronic pain (CP) affects millions of people and costs billions of dollars a year (Koch, 2012). The biopsychosocial approach understands that CP is caused by a complex interaction between cognitive, emotional, physical and social factors (Young, 2010). However modern health care is often fragmented leaving choices to clients (Scott, Ruef, Mendel, & Caronna, 2000). Often clients with CP don't receive or seek psychological interventions for a DSM 5 (APA, 2000) classifiable condition. This study focused on an independently operating physiotherapist in the planning phases of developing a holistic intervention at her wellness centre. The goal of the research was to capture a portrait of the insights and experiences of participants in the early phases of planning transdisciplinary teamwork. Thus a qualitative research design was employed to capture the rich subjective experiences and insights of the participants. The physiotherapist selected the sample of: 5 clients, 4 health professionals, and 3 supportive professionals. Together they attempted to create a holistic strategy for CP. Three types of qualitative data collection were used namely: interviews, focus and collaborative learning groups. Data analysis followed Braun and Clark's (2006) six-phase guide. The aim of this study was to encourage change in the local context and to inspire others in different context to attempt holistic practice. The study found that implementing holistic teamwork was a lengthy and challenging process. Theory underlying treatment needed to be defined first and it was hard to reach consensus. Strategizing for holistic work was challenging, as it did not just involve combining treatments but creating an individual systemic non-linear process. Good communication was vital to the process and this again involved time, which was is not covered by medical aids. In terms of strategy what was highlighted is that the client needed to change their way of relating to their CP, as although sensory pain may not be diminished the suffering of the client would decrease. Of interest was whether CP was a new culture bound form of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) resembling our modern trauma's as much of the descriptions about CP matched PTSD symptomology. Further more focused study on each of the broad areas covered as well as the involvement of specialised expertise in the areas of ethics, and business management would be needed to commence transdisciplinary holistic teamwork.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Open Access
    How socio-cultural factors affect cervical cancer screening adherence and treatment in disadvantaged communities in the greater Cape Town, South Africa.
    (2015) De Abreu, Chantelle Silva; Learmonth, Despina
    Approximately 85% of the global cervical cancer deaths occur in women living in developing countries. In South Africa, cervical cancer is the second most common cancer amongst women, with Black South African women having the highest risk of developing cervical cancer. Previous research with the same population group found that there are structural (time, health education, age) and psychosocial (fear of screening and stigmatization) influences to cervical screening. The purpose of this research was to identify socio-cultural factors affecting cervical cancer screening adherence within a disadvantaged community in South Africa, a developing country. To identify the social-cultural factors four focus groups consisting of men and women between the ages of 18 and 60 were conducted. A combination of the Health Belief Model (HBM) and Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA) provided a theoretical framework for this study. Thematic analysis was used to identify themes that emerged from the focus groups and participant observation. Through conducting these focus groups, themes emerged which strongly highlighted the role of cultural norms, gender roles, the western medical model and traditional medicine in a woman’s decision to adhere to cervical screening. It was found that factors such as knowledge and stigma, found previously in research, were also shared amongst this sample group. However, spiritual and religious beliefs (traditional healers, religion, and balancing paradigms), gender beliefs, social construction and acceptance of disease were factors which also emerged as exerting influence in a woman’s decision to adhere to cervical screening.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Open Access
    Identifying 'everyday' challenges faced by former South African street-based prostituted women using photovoice and the risks for re-entry
    (2014) Oosthuyzen, Tanya Nadine; Learmonth, Despina; Kessi, Shose
    Prostitution in South Africa takes place within a unique context as it is set within a culture of violence, poverty and gender discrimination. For those women wanting to exit, this causes a multitude of barriers, with often a resultant entry-exit-re-entry cycle being seen. While much research has been done on their lives while still working and during the actual exiting process, insight into the challenges faced by these women within their unique context and daily lives once they have exited, is lacking. This can provide vital information regarding the possible risk factors present for re-entry, while having vast practical relevance for intervention programs. Eight former street-based prostituted women, currently within an exit cycle and members of a leadership program, were recruited to take part in this study. Using the Photovoice method, participants were asked to take photographs and develop a story of the challenges they faced within their daily lives. These photo stories, in conjunction with focus group discussions, were then analysed using thematic analysis, so as to develop an understanding of the most salient challenges faced by these women, and how they might serve as potential barriers to a sustained and successful exit from prostitution.